Silvermark continues to grow its line with its mini chopper, the Mince and Chop suitable for mincing garlic and other small tasks (retail $14.99), and another expansion to the line is their grating kitchen tools. Grater tongs and serving spoons work double duty as the traditional kitchen utensil with the addition of grating holes in the tool's heart. Tongs have santoprene handles and come in two sizes -- 9-inch for $11.00 and the 12-inch for $12.00. Grater spoons are $7.00 and $8.50 for small and large versions. For details, call 800-231-4114.
Cutting-edge technology was in high supply at Kai Corporation of Japan. Its Shun line by Kershaw Knives (KAI USA Limited) continues to make headway in the U.S. market. This line of cutlery features the look and benefits of Damascus steel. Comprised of VG-10 "super steel," which is composed of carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, and vanadium, the VG-10 stainless steel clad knives have 16 layers of SUS430 and 431 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, producing a rust-free Damascus look. New to the Shun Classic range is Ken Onion 8-Inch Chef's Knife in a bamboo countertop stand. Also new is the KAI Sharpener that has a one-button, one-slide feature allowing for a sharpened blade after pulling it through four to six times. The sharpener will retail for $59.00. Call 800-325-2891 for ordering information.
A novelty invention that really works, the Clever Cutter Pro from Ronan Tools (877-501-2468) features a stainless steel German-made blade and Dupont Delrin cutting surface in a scissor-like frame. The design allows users to pull away the handles for easy cleaning or to use the knife alone. The unique blade angle produces even slicing. With a $19.95 retail, this handy tool also comes with a knife block holder attachment.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels introduced the Twin Cuisine line of cutlery that features one-piece precision forging and an elegant molded handle. The new handle showcases the full horizontal tang complimented with a smooth molded handle. The line is made with high-carbon no-stain steel and is produced via the exclusive Friodur Ice Hardened process that offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. New to the Twin Cuisine line are the 5.5" Boning Knife, 6" Chef's knife, 7" Fillet Knife, and 5" Santoku. The Twin Cuisine line is also available in twin sets. For more information, call 914-749-3425, or visit www.jahenckels.com.
Microplane introduced "The Better" Box Grater to its 34000 Series with a safety-slide attachment that saves your knuckles from those sharp edges. Use the Box Grater with or without the attachment -- it has a positive lock on either side allowing you to use the entire grating area. Packaging allows for sliding of attachment so customers can obtain a feel for the ergonomics of the grater, as well as see the opening compartment that holds the food. One side is for extra coarse, the other grates finely. Available in April, the retail is $24.95. Call 800-555-2767 for details.
Wusthof-Trident expanded its Santoku assortment of knives to include a new size, a block set, and a gift-ready cook set. Responding to demand for the versatile 7-inch Santoku knife, the company introduced the new 5-inch Santoku in the company's CLASSIC Collection. The Asian-style cleaver offers a light and super-sharp straight-edge blade that is crafted with a hollow edge to minimize drag and sticking when cutting. The 5-inch Santoku is priced at $74.99. Also available is a Mini Two-Piece Asian set which includes a 3-inch Paring and a 5-Inch Santoku. It retails for a suggested price of $109.99. The new Eight-Piece Santoku Block Set priced at $299 features the 7-inch Santoku, a 2.5-inch Serrated Paring, a 4.5-inch Utility, a 6-inch Slicer, an 8-inch Bread Knife, Kitchen Shears, a Sharpening Steel, and a 17-slot Oak Storage Block. For more information, call 800-289-9878, send an email to info@wusthof.com, or visit www.wusthof.com.
Messermeister's latest introduction makes slicing bread and large vegetables with soft insides a breeze. The Meridian elite 10-inch Baker's Bread Knife is designed to accommodate large and round loaves, plus cakes and other baked goods. Featuring a hand-polished serrated elite edge, the 10-inch knife is easy to handle. The fully forged blade coupled with the triple-riveted POM handle provides a design that fits both small and large hands comfortably. The knife is elegantly presented in a gift box for a suggested retail price of $124. For more information, call 800-426-5134, or visit www.messermeister.com.
Clip, cut, snip, and shear with the new Ultimate Snips Kitchen Shears from Kuhn Rikon. Ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks, and versatile enough for the garden or all over the house, these kitchen shears are easy to use and comfortable to control. The plastic handles shaped like pliers are spring loaded for leverage. Rust and stain resistant, the shears feature self-sharpening stainless steel blades that grind against one another during regular use, rubbing off any burrs that have developed. The white plastic handles are accented with red highlights on the grip. The Ultimate Snips measure nine inches in length and are available for a suggested retail price of $16. For more information, call 800-662-5882, or visit www.kuhnrikon.com.
Mundial introduced Chef's Knives with a Granton Edge in five different lines: 5100 Series Red, Olivier, Future, 5100 Series Black, and Elegance. Available this summer, the new Granton Edge knives will retail from $31.00 to $85.00. The company also added 11 new pieces to their 5100 Series Red collection. For more information, call 800-487-2224, or visit www.MundialUSA.com.
